Caring for Rose Creek Abelia Bushes

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Caring for Rose Creek Abelia Bushes

Overview

Abelia is a genus of shrubs, native to Asia, in the honeysuckle family. The Rose Creek variety is a dense and compact summer-flowering shrub. Rose Creek offers interest in the summer when it blooms in clusters of small, tubular white to light pink flowers. In the fall the foliage turns purple, adding a new dimension of color to the garden. Rose Creek abelia grows 2 to 3 feet tall with a 3- to 4-foot spread. The Rose Creek abelia is easy to maintain and hardy to USDA zones 6 to 9.

Step 1

Plant the Rose Creek abelia in full sun. Although the shrub will grow in partial shade, the foliage color will be at its most striking when grown in the sun.

Step 2

Water the Rose Creek abelia to keep the soil moist until it is established. When mature, the shrub is drought-tolerant and should only be watered when the top 3 inches of soil are dry.

Step 3

Fertilize the Rose Creek abelia in the early spring, before new growth. Use a 10-10-10 formulation, according to package directions. Always water after fertilizing.

Step 4

Cut the tips of the Rose Creek abelia's branches during the growing season to encourage blooming. This is the only pruning required as the shrub tends to hold its form. To tip-prune, use the pruning shears to remove the first 1/2 to 1 inch from the tip of each branch. Discontinue tip-pruning before the first frost.
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About this Author

Victoria Hunter, a former broadcaster and real estate agent, has provided audio and written services to both small businesses and large corporations, worldwide. Hunter is a freelance writer specializing in the real estate industry. She devotes her spare time to her other passions: gardening and cooking. Hunter holds a Bachelor of Arts in English/creative writing.